The Tesla Model 3 still has a clear need for improvement when it comes to vehicle operation, as a current ADAC test in cooperation with the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences shows. 24 subjects had to carry out safety-related operating tasks while driving six different compact and mid-range vehicles, as well as controlling the navigation system, radio and air conditioning, for example. The former were weighted the most.
The Tesla Model 3 received a rating of "sufficient" in the test and took last place. The mid-range vehicle performed best with the control of its infotainment system, but all functions – including those relevant to safety (such as the driving lights) – are operated exclusively via the touchscreen. And that leads to by far the longest service and distraction times. According to the automobile club, there is a major safety risk. Voice control has not been tested.
The Mercedes A-Class only managed fifth place. Because their infotainment is "quite difficult" to operate due to the touchpad. The VW Golf and the Dacia Duster ended up in the middle places. In both vehicles, the infotainment system is controlled using a touchscreen and the safety-related functions are controlled using separate controls. The ADAC rated the operation of the air conditioning in the VW Golf as "cumbersome", which is largely done via the touchscreen.
The Mazda 3 and the 1-series BMW scored best with "good" - overall scores of 1.9 and 2.1 respectively. With the controller-based operating system, the automobile club saw a disadvantage in controlling the infotainment system because the input takes longer. However, the intuitive operation of the safety-related driving functions and a separate control unit for the air conditioning system earned both vehicles a "very good" in this criterion.
"In principle, safety-related or frequently used functions should definitely be able to be controlled via a separate control element," according to the ADAC. There should be standardized operation for the basic functions.
In addition, the button for the hazard warning lights, for example, should be located centrally on the dashboard and not on the roof liner like on the Tesla. According to the automobile club, the touchscreen is less distracting than the controller when it comes to operating the infotainment system.
Source: ADAC
